NFL Network's Michael Robinson, a former running back who played for the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, caught up with cornerback Richard Sherman on Saturday at Robinson's youth football camp.
The chance to play his former team wasn't Sherman's only reason for joining the 49ers this offseason. The cornerback signed a three-year deal with San Francisco the day after Seattle released him in March. A month earlier, the 49ers secured their franchise quarterback when the team signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a then-record five-year contract.
Is Garoppolo the quarterback of the future in San Francisco?
"I believe so," Sherman answered. "I wouldn't have signed with the team if I didn't believe in him. I watched his film. I watched how he moved down the stretch, I watched how poised he was. I had conversations with his teammates, I had conversations with the head coach about how they coach him, about how he approaches the game. And just seeing his demeanor and seeing how he interacts with his teammates, I think I made a fantastic decision [to join 49ers]. I'm excited to see him go out there."
Garoppolo wasn't the only topic of discussion. Robinson also asked Sherman about his new defensive teammate, Reuben Foster, who has been arrested twice this offseason and faces three felony charges as a result of the latest incident. The domestic violence charge against the linebacker could be difficult to prove after his ex-girlfriend testified on Thursday that she lied about what happened leading to the arrest. The judge will decide on Wednesday whether or not the case goes to trial.
Sherman, along with safety Jaquiski Tartt, was present during Foster's arraignment on April 12. How does Sherman describe his relationship with Foster?
"You know, I've had conversations with him," Sherman said. "Obviously he knows mistakes have happened in the past and he's trying to move past it. He's doing his best to deal with the situation the best he can.
"Basically, he's an incredible young man. We're all human beings and I think that's what society forgets -- that we all make mistakes. These young men are under a microscope that most people don't have to deal with. And, obviously, he's handling it the best he can, but I'm trying to do my part to just be a good teammate and be there for him in any way I can. And I think he's going to be fine."
Robinson also asked Sherman what it would take for his new team to win the NFC West in 2018.
"Just consistency," Sherman said. "Consistency and discipline. On the defensive side of the ball, they got all the talent in the world. We have talent up front. We've got talent in the second level, the linebacker group. Obviously, Reuben Foster is a tremendous talent and Malcolm Smith has been in this system and plays as well as anybody I've ever seen. Brock Coyle is also adept in this system. Eli Harold has been doing a great job. ... so we've got talent all around.
"And the secondary is young, but they're incredibly talented and they work incredibly hard. Adrian Colbert is a great safety. ... Ahkello Witherspoon has all the talent in the world, can move, can cover anybody. So it's just understanding that it's a day-to-day-to-day grind to be great, and that's what I'm trying to get through to them, but they work as hard as any group I've seen."
* Quotes courtesy of NFL.com
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